💫 UWCL Ones to Watch: Arsenal's injury crisis and two massive clashes | OneFootball

We’re about to reach the halfway stage of the Women’s Champions League and there is a lot to keep up with this midweek …

High-flying Chelsea host Real Madrid

With Chelsea dropped into a group with PSG and Real Madrid, it was immediately obvious a big name would be heading home before the knockout rounds.

The Blues have already taken one enormous step towards making sure it will not be theirs. PSG lost to the WSL champions and then drew with Madrid, meaning a win on Wednesday will see Chelsea (at least) five points clear of both sides at the halfway stage.

Emma Hayes’ team have been formidable lately, particularly impressing against Spurs and Manchester United, and will back themselves against Madrid at home.

The Spaniards should not be taken lightly, though, with Caroline Weir shining so far this season and returning to British shores with plenty to prove.

Can Arsenal survive an injury crisis?

Like Chelsea, Arsenal have enjoyed a great start to a tricky group, beating Lyon, who then went on to draw with Juventus. A matchday three win in Turin would, like Chelsea, see Arsenal go at least five points clear of their two big rivals for qualification at the halfway stage.

But they have huge injury issues. Beth Mead could now miss the remainder of the season after an ACL injury was confirmed on Wednesday and the Gunners were already without Leah Williamson and Rafaelle at the back, Kim Little in midfield, plus forward Lina Hurtig.

Jonas Eidevall could have to get a little creative with his selections as he faces Juve boss Joe Montemurro, the man he replaced in north London.

A win would be huge but defeat could be the start of a very tricky run for the injury-hit Gunners before the January transfer window arrives.

Barcelona host Bayern in clash of the titans

Around 50,000 tickets have been sold as Bayern Munich visit Camp Nou.

There is no looming threat of elimination or pressure to get a result — both teams have maximum points so far — but the sides will both want to send a message. Barcelona that they are ready to dominate the best even without Alexia Putellas, Bayern that they are ready to take that step required to compete for the title.

And there’s the small footnote of England team-mates and ex-Manchester City stars Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway meeting in midfield in their first major European game for their respective new employers.

Football with this level of quality doesn’t come along often.